Low Turnout Expected at June 4 Local Elections

The National Election Commission is worried about the local elections set to take place on June 4. An NEC official said Sunday that the day comes just ahead of a national holiday, Memorial Day (June 6), which then leads to the weekend.

"Many people may travel overseas by taking June 5 off and enjoying an extended holiday, leading to low voter turnout," the official said.

Voter turnout in local elections tanked at 48.9 percent in 2002, but rose to 51.6 percent in 2006 and to 54.5 percent in 2010.

But others are not as worried, because early voting will allow people to cast their ballots without having to register for the absentee vote. The measure was first introduced in by-elections in April last year.